Chapter 5 - Experimenting

The weekend came by quickly, after the whole kidnapping fiasco, things have been quiet amongst the group. 

For now.

Haruko took this time to figure some things out, try to at least. She reads through her notes over and over, trying to wrap her head around some things. She familiarized herself with the plot as much as she could but could never prepare or anticipate the changes in it. 

“I've been here for almost a week…” Haruko grumbled to herself. “It wasn't hard to adapt to her lifestyle but it's definitely jarring to experience.”

It wasn't just the experience that was throwing her off. She was still getting used to seeing herself in the mirror, that was not her. Hell, she felt weird changing clothes in this body, it was even harder to shower.

There were also moments where someone would call out her name and she wouldn't react at all. Because her name wasn't originally Haruko Kisaragi, so why was she supposed to answer to a name that wasn't hers to begin with.

The whole situation was a mystery waiting to be solved. And she had questions that needed answering. She wasn't going to sit around and find out, no. She was going to do something about it.

“...” So here she was, sitting at her dining room table in her sleepwear. It was a few minutes past 10 AM. A knife laid out in front of her, nothing else but that. “Am I really doing this…?”

She touches the handle of the knife lightly before wrapping her fingers around it, lifting it up.

“Fuck it. Here I go…” It was nerve-wracking the first time, it's nerve-wracking now. Usually any other human being would be hesitant, fearful even by what she was about to do. 

Not her though, she had nothing to lose. 

She breathes in, then breathes out, breathes in and then ou–

CRRR!

She had guided the sharp edge of the knife towards her own chest, the harsher sound of the blade penetrating through her chest echoes through the room.

Blood was the first thing she saw, then the ceiling as she fell back out of her chair.

And then darkness.

Beep, Beep, Beep

Her phone's alarm.

In the blink of an eye, she wakes up in bed again. Haruko sits up frantically, grasping at her chest. The knife was nowhere to be seen but the stinging sensation going through her skin still lingered, her chest aching with tremendous pain. 

She doubled over, wrapping her arms tightly around her chest as she was gasping for air. 

It took a few minutes for the pain to subside.  And by the time it was gone, she was drenched in sweat from head to toe.  The sharp pain diminished, allowing her to focus on her surroundings again.

She reaches over to her cellphone to turn the alarm off, glancing at the digital clock to see she had gone back in time. It was now 7 in the morning, her character's usual time to wake up supposedly. 

Haruko sits up weakly, baffled when she is met with the game's HUD red warning system blaring brightly in her face. She reaches out to try and touch it out of curiosity, her fingers going through the interface.

Haruko pulls her hand back, reading the warning. “Death has been detected. To prevent the game from collapsing, the characters from obliterating, and for the protagonist to reach their ‘happy ending,’ please complete the storyline all the way through…” she frowns, the interface disappearing as soon as she finished reading it. “Well… there goes that idea…”

“So I do have to get the protagonist to finish the game somehow…” She falls back into her pillow, wiping the sweat off her brow.

“Damn… I can't even die in-game… talk about shitty luck…”

*

Haruko expected them to meet up at some point. She wasn't expecting them to meet up today.

At her house.

She had cleaned up a little before taking a quick shower to wash off the sweat. Just as she was finishing up, the doorbell echoed through the home. She opens the door hesitantly a few seconds after to see Minami standing there with Takashi and Yukiko behind her.

And behind them, two new faces? One of them, a slender woman with honey blonde hair that flows above her lower back, her skin fair and blemish-free. She radiated with the sunlight, smiling gently at her.

The other, another slender woman that stood a bit taller than Takashi. She had porcelain white skin that looked cold to the touch and platinum blonde hair that fell elegantly past her shoulders, reaching just the top of her butt. She on the other hand was frowning slightly, her arms crossed over her chest.

“Haru, hi.” Minami greeted first, pulling her in for a brief hug. “Sorry for suddenly dropping by.”

“Hey. It's no problem.” Haruko shook her head, she smiled slightly but it faltered when she noticed the two women staring at her intensely. “Umm.. h-hello…”

“Sorry for the intrusion. We're their older sisters.” The first woman motions to Yukiko and Takashi. “Our mother has sent us to watch over them.”

“Since he likes to come home injured.” The other woman scoffed, seemingly annoyed.

“Uhh p-please, come in.” Haruko motions for them to come inside her home. “My name is Haruko Kisaragi.”

“It's a pleasure, Haruko. My name is Erina Hasegawa.” The honey blonde woman greeted with a slight bow of her head. “And this is Reika. She's the eldest.” Erina motions.

It was making sense now. These were the Hasegawa twins' older sisters. They hadn't had any relevance to the game before so there wasn't ever a model made for them.

“How do you know our siblings?” Reika asks straight away, entering the home.

“School. I met them through Minami.” Haruko answers.

“And you're just friends?”

“Y-Yes…?”

Haruko tenses, Reika walking around her as if she was some prey. “I see. That makes sense, he could never pull a beauty like you.” Reika hums in satisfaction, giving her some room to move and hide behind Minami shyly. 

“I. Hate. You.” Takashi spoke, harshly glaring at her. "Mom sent you here to watch over us, not bully me."

"Talk to me when you're my height." She had said it in a teasing manner but Haruko hadn't the clue if she was actually kidding or not. She didn't try to ask.

“I apologize for their behavior, they don't know when to stop.” Erina says, directly speaking to Minami and Haruko. "They were even arguing on the way here." she sighed heavily. 

“Oh, it's alright. It's a sibling thing, I assume.” Minami chuckles.

“Uhh, please.” Haruko motions to the living room. “Make yourselves at home.” She shuts the front door before following behind them, taking a seat on the couches. “So, what are you guys doing here?”

Haruko hadn't gotten any messages prior to this random meet up, so she was very curious as to what prompted it.

“Well, Minami called us to come over.” Yukiko admitted, twirling a strand of her hair.

“Our mother caught us leaving though and told these two to come along..” Takashi added in, motioning to the older women.

“Yea. Because she wants us to make sure you idiots don't get hurt.” Reika rolls her eyes. "Again." It was a jab to when Takashi had gotten hurt the first day the had met. 

“We can handle things on our own.” Takashi spoke.

“Really? Didn't seem like it a few days ago.” Reika deadpans, the two glaring at each other intensely.

Before they could get into another argument though, the door bell rings. “Huh? Who could that be??” Haruko questioned, she stood back up, smoothing her clothes of any wrinkles. “I'll be back.” She tells them and heads over to the front door to check.

At that point, Minami was visibly nervous. She wiped the sweat that beaded down her brow, feigning innocence with an awkward smile. “Oh Haru. So popular these days.” she laughs.

The twins glanced at her suspiciously.

“Umm…” Haruko spoke up, and they turned their attention towards the entrance to see Shizuka standing there as well.

Yukiko tensed, she opened her mouth to say something not so nice. Takashi slapping a hand over her mouth instead. “H-Hey… who's this?” he asks nervously.

Haruko raised a brow at him, confused about the reaction. She thought back on it, realizing that aside from their father and the twins, the rest of the family didn't know what Shizuka Uehara looked like. Hell, they barely knew her first name.

She was a very private person, and it showed. People mostly knew her for her beauty and intelligence around the Hasegawa turf. And that she was the eldest daughter of the Uehara's.

“She… this is…” Haruko trailed off, trying to think of any excuses. Maybe even names at that point.

“Shizu Miyamoto.” Shizuka said calmly. She was quick to realize who the other two were. While she may be private, she was definitely aware of her enemies. “A pleasure to meet you.” She bows her head politely.

“I'm shocked. I didn't expect you to be friends with so many pretty girls.” Reika commented, looking directly at Takashi.

“My apologies.” Shizuka spoke up, “I'm not their friend.” She motioned to Yukiko and Takashi before clinging to Haruko's arm. “I am Haruko's friend.”

“See that makes more sense.” Reika hummed.

“This is my first time meeting these two.” Shizuka motions to Yukiko and Takashi blandly.

“Well it's nice to meet you, Shizu.” Erina smiles. They re-introduced themselves to her, Shizuka taking a seat beside Haruko on the couch, who was now in between her and Erina. “This must be weird, having us here.”

“I don't mind the company.” Haruko shrugs. “It gets pretty lonely when it's just me.”

“I would visit more often but you know how my parents get.” Minami sighs. Although a bit strict, her parents were more so protective of her if Haruko remembered correctly. Which was appropriate considering what was going around in these neighborhoods. 

“I understand.” No she didn't. “I'm satisfied whenever you text me, it's okay.” Haruko could only smile at the girl.

It became quiet after that. The group sat in silence for about a minute before someone spoke up again.

“So, what exactly were you planning on doing here?” Reika asks suddenly, looking around at the group. “Sit here and stare at each other?”

Haruko couldn't help but agree with her, she wished she knew what they had planned before coming over. Because right now she was winging the whole situation.

She wasn't even prepared to have guests today, she was busy experimenting with the limitations of the game and what she was able to do or cannot do.

“S-Sorry. Umm, we were just going to hang out today.” Haruko spoke up, considering no one else was. “This must be awkward… sorry, you just make me a little nervous.” She blurted out. They do make her nervous, two characters whom she has never seen before let alone know much information about, it was throwing her off. 

“Hmm? Nervous? And why would that be..?” Reika asks, leaning against the arm of the couch. She crosses her legs, staring intensely at Haruko.

“I--it's because…” Haruko tensed, picking at the stray threads of her sweater. “B-Because… y-you're all so pretty…” she admitted timidly, staring into her own lap.

“Cute, flirting will only get you so far, sweetie~” Reika purred.

“No, I-I wasn't trying to flirt, I just– y-you–” Haruko croaked under pressure. Her face flushing red, her ears even more. She hadn't intended to come off as flirting with them, it was a genuine compliment. 

“You okay, Haru?” Minami asks, “Your ears are turning really red.” She pointed out, kind of amused by the situation.

‘Damnit…this body reacts too easily…’ Haruko covered her ears quickly, cupping her hands over them. “I-I'm fine.” She reassured them, smiling slightly.

“Hmm... You're so cute~” Erina admitted out of the blue, cupping Haruko's cheeks, making her face her directly. She was amused when that caused Haruko's smile to widen awkwardly.

“Amazing, these got deeper.” Reika hums, reaching over to press her thumb lightly against Haruko's dimple before lightly squeezing her cheek too. "So cute~"

“Leave her alone.” Yukiko spoke up, frowning slightly as she watched the interaction.

“Jealous…?” Minami asks her suddenly. “There's no need to be jealous, Yuki.”

“I-I'm not jealous.” Yukiko huffs. “I'm just saying, they're getting too touchy with someone they just met.”

“S…Should we get some lunch?” Haruko suggests, slipping out of Erina's grasp. She wanted to change the subject quickly, and possibly get out of the house. 

“Oh, sure. Let's go do that.” Takashi agrees. “We can show you around afterwards, Haruko.”

“Sure thing. That'd be cool…” Haruko nodded, “Uhh, let me go change. I'll be right back.”

“You two should help her pick an outfit." Takashi said abruptly, causing Haruko to glance at him in shock. ‘Sorry.’ He mouthed off to her discreetly.

“Huh??”

“Oh, that would be fun.” Erina chuckles.

“Agreed. Let us help you pick out an outfit, Haruko.” Reika suggests she stood up as well. Motioning for Erina to follow along.

“E-Eh??? I– you don't have to, I can just–” Haruko says, looking between them nervously.

“Nonsense. Come, I love dressing people up.” Reika tugs lightly on Haruko's hand.

“Where is your room?” Erina asks, following them as well.

“Over there--woah…!” Haruko gasps when they tug on her more, until she gives in and follows them obediently.

Leaving the other four alone. They waited patiently until the chatter disappeared once the door shut. Yukiko instantly sends a death glare at Shizuka. “What the hell are you doing here…!?” she hissed.

“Minami invited me. We talked about it, and I suggested we help Haruko practice more with the flirting and she suggested it would be easier to regroup here.” Shizuka stated flatly. “Unfortunately, unnecessary guests decided to attend this gathering as well.”

“It's not our fault, or mom wanted them to come along–” Takashi spoke, his words cut off.

“I meant all you Hasegawa pests.” Shizuka deadpanned, she crossed her arms over her chests, looking between the twins. “You're both useless when it comes to flirting. This one can't keep a girl, and this one's never dated at all, probably because of her hot-temperament.”

“Umm we were invited too, Minami called us to come over as well.” Yukiko snapped back. “And what exactly can YOU do? Don't you have a boyfriend you need to suck off…?” she sneered.

The air between them was so intense it felt like you could cut through it with a knife. Minami and Takashi were having a hard time getting any words in as they looked between the two awkwardly.

“How distasteful.” Snapped Shizuka. “Of course YOU would suggest something like that. I can at least teach her some class, some standards. I will help her with her flirting.”

“You can fuck off.” Yukiko scowled.

“Let's calm down, you two.” Takashi cuts in before anything else. “We were all invited by Minami to regroup in Haruko's home. It's already bad enough that there's a lot of people over, we shouldn't overwhelm her with all the fighting either.”

“If anyone's overwhelming her, it's your sisters.” Shizuka huffed. “They're already invading their room out of your suggestion. Control them.” It was more of a demand than a suggestion.

“Now. Now.” Minami tried, looking between the three nervously. “Sorry. I thought that because it was a group thing we had to meet up as a group.”

“Please. No need for apologies, Minami. They should've known they weren't going to be much help and butt out of it.” Shizuka's cold demeanor disappeared when facing Minami, she seemed a bit more courteous towards her.

“You little–” Yukiko growled, she got up abruptly, her fists clenched tight. Takashi grabbed a hold of her shoulders quickly to stop her from starting a physical altercation in someone else's home.

Shizuka stood up as well, “What? Are you going to hit me?” She mocked in a dull manner. “Do it. Prove how barbaric you are, prove my point.”

“Come on, you two.” Minami got in between them quickly, doing her best to alleviate the situation. “Remember?? The Alliance..?? This won't work out if you keep getting at each other's throats…”

“Yea. Calm down, you two.” Takashi frowned. “Now's not the time.”

The two girls were glaring at each other intensely, ready to jump into another argument when–

“Is everything okay?” A voice called out from behind them, weary laced in their tone.

The four turned their attention towards the source quickly, worried if Reiko or Erina had heard any of their conversation. Only to see Haruko standing there with a concerned expression.

Minami sighed heavily in relief to see her there. She notices the clothes immediately. “Oh! You look good, Haru~” she complimented, in awe of the outfit.

“Really?” Haruko asks. She wore a black oversized graphic tee layered with a white hoodie underneath. Black high waisted, wide legged pants with a dark casual blazer thrown on top. Finishing it off with black and white sneakers, that she was carrying around considering they were still inside.

“Yea! Right?” Minami looks to the other three for their opinion.

“I think you look cool, yea.” Takashi hummed in agreement, loosening his hold on Yukiko's shoulders. He looked at her curiously, noticing she was gazing in awe at the taller woman.

Even Shizuka stood rigid as she gazed longingly at Haruko. She was quick to snap out of her daze, “You look charming, Haruko.” she admitted quietly. 

Erina and Reika appeared again, both with satisfied expressions on their faces. “She can pull off a lot of outfits with that height and body.” Reika mused.

“It's nice, it's giving off an androgynous look.” Minami beamed, she approached Haruko excitedly, shaking her hands. “Do you like it, Haru?”

“I-I do…” Haruko nodded, she had always wanted to dress more androgynous in the real world but worried that it wouldn't match her at all. But here, with this body, she was able to balance a masculine and feminine style easily. “T-Thank you for helping me pick out an outfit…” she Erina and Reiko timidly. 

"Of course. Let's get going now?" Erina motions, "Are you kids ready?" she asks, looking towards the other four.

"Oh uhh, yea we're ready to go." Takashi nods, he nudges Yuki lightly with his elbow getting the girl to snap out of her daze. They head back to the door, putting their shoes back on and exit the home. 

Haruko made sure the door was locked before anything else. "Where are we eating?" she asks them curiously. 

"We know a cozy cafe nearby." Reika spoke, she hooks arms with Haruko, clinging to her. Reika and Erina walking beside her, dragging the taller woman along.

The other four lag behind purposely, "Why are they so clingy...??" Shizuka questions in a whispered tone, she glares accusingly at the twins. 

"How should we know...??" Takashi shrugged, he was just as baffled by his sisters sudden affectionate side. 

"Those are your sisters." Shizuka rolled her eyes, "Wouldn't you know them more than us...??" she motioned between herself and Minami.

"Well we don't know, okay? Reika is rarely nice to anyone." Yukiko snapped back, "Erina has always been nice, but her?? It's weird seeing her like this."

"Which is suspicious, don't you think?"

Takashi and Yukiko glanced at each other wearily, they followed after them. The group making their way to the cafe Reiko was talking about. 

* 

They were able to get a table a few minutes after chatting with the hostess, Haruko finding herself sitting awkwardly between Reika and Erina. The other four sitting across from them.

“Oh, so you just moved back?” Erina asks, they had been asking Haruko a bunch of questions once they put in their orders and she easily complied, wanting to be polite.

“Yes, ma'am.” Haruko nodded, drinking some of the water. “I know I have Minami but I'm glad to have befriended your siblings as well, they were nice enough to show me around.”

“Steer clear of them, Haruko. These two are trouble makers.” Reika shook her head. “I wouldn't want you getting in a fight, or hurt because of these idiots.”

“Uhh well…” Haruko could only nod but it was already too late for that. She had been involved right in the beginning.

“Hmm?” Reika paused. “Was she there when your dumbass got hurt??” She glared at Takashi.

“Wellll….” Takashi rubs at the back of his neck nervously, a telling sign of the truth. He grunts when Reika kicks his shin. “Ow!”

“I'm so sorry you were involved, Haruko.” Erina frowns, caressing her hand lightly.

“Oh, no. It's alright! I-I wanted to help.” Haruko admitted.

“You… helped??”

Haruko tensed, she looked to the others for help. “Uhh… well, you see… I-I–”

“She got into a fight with the delinquents that hurt your brother.” Shizuka cuts in suddenly, sipping at her coffee. “I just remembered I had seen these two briefly that day.” She motioned to Takashi and Yukiko. “Initially she was protecting me from said delinquents.”

“Oh?” Reika looked at Haruko with a raised brow, “You beat some people up, huh? Looks like you came out of the brawl unharmed.” She purred, lightly drawing circles into Haruko's biceps.

She regretted drinking water at that moment. Haruko swallowed so hard, a piece of ice going down her throat. Thankfully it wasn’t big enough to choke her but it did surprise her. She cleared her throat.

She just remembered how forward Reika was in the game. She didn't show much, but she was definitely known to be a flirty character.

“I-I– yea, I-I did.” Haruko laughs nervously, she notices a waitress coming by with their food. “Oh! Look at that, our food's here.” She pointed out.

“Thank God, I was so hungry.” Minami stated, just as relieved for the other woman. They waited patiently for their food to be placed down in front of them. “Well?? Let's dig in~”

Haruko was so glad the food arrived at that moment, she thought she was going to pass out at any moment. She's never been directly hit on before, and by an attractive woman?? It was so hard to focus, she practically forgot how to breathe around them.

At least the food provided a distraction.

“Haru, how is that?” Erina asks curiously, glancing at Haruko as she eats.

“It's good.” Haruko nodded. “Thank you for showing us this place, you two.”she tells the older woman.

“I'm glad.” Erina chuckles. “Try this as well.” She suggests attempting to feed Haruko some of her own food. She held a spoonful of her meal up to the other girl's mouth.

“O-Oh! Uhhh–” Haruko opens her mouth obediently. Erina feeding her gently. “D-Delicious…” It was all she could say, her whole face flushed red.

“Ah, try mine too.” Reika spoke, tugging on Haruko's sleeve. The three were lost in their own world at that point.

Leaving the others to glance at one another as they eat slowly, trying to analyze the situation.

“Do something.” Shizuka hissed lowly, glaring at the twins.

“We can't help it… they don't even listen to us…” Yukiko whispered back, rolling her eyes.

All they could do at that point was eat and watch. Joining in on the conversation when prompted to but ultimately listening to Haruko answer life probing questions.

*

“Let's go shopping, Haruko. I want to see you in more outfits~” Reika had suggested once they exited the cafe.

“Oh uhh, sure.” Haruko agreed, before she could be dragged off though–

Shizuka grabbed onto her other arm, tugging on it softly. “Haruko.”

“Y-Yes??”

“You said you would help me pick out some books for my classes today.” Shizuka said suddenly. “You and Minami.”

Haruko was clueless but decided to play along, hoping this was just a ploy to get her away from the older women. “Oh right! Sorry Shizu, it totally slipped my mind.”

“That's alright, may we do that now though? Since we're near the mall.”

“Y-Yea, Let's go do that.” Haruko nods, and she looks to Reiko apologetically. “Sorry, Ms. Hasegawa. I should help my friend find her class materials first.”

“It's alright. We can come along.” Reika hummed, tugging on the arm she clung to.

“Please, feel free to go clothes shopping still.” Shizuka suggests as she pulls Haruko closer to herself. “We can meet up with you right afterwards. It's just a few books we need to pick up.” She was insistent.

“That seems like a plan.” Erina nodded. “We'll be on the second floor, alright? You know which shop Reika likes to go to for clothes?” She looks at Takashi and Yukiko curiously. The two nodded in response. “Great! We'll see you there then.”

Thankfully the two head off to do their own thing in the mall, leaving the group alone.

“Oh thank God…” Haruko sighed heavily in relief, she looked at Shizuka gratefully.

“Finally…” Takashi groans, rubbing his head in frustration. “Gahhh why was that so hard to do??”

“I don't know, you tell me.” Shizuka deadpanned. “They were YOUR sisters.” She reminded them. “Hurry up and show us where the damn book store is so we can get books like we told them we would.” It slipped their mind that Shizuka and Haruko hadn't been around the area. 

They made their way over, hiding out in the furthest corner to talk. Although, Minami actually checked some of the books out of interest.

“Well at least we have a little time away from them.” Takashi spoke, leaning against one of the shelves. He picks a book up, flipping through it to look for anything interesting. Flinching when the book was snatched out of his hand and used to smack his head instead.

Shizuka had been the one to hit him. She put the book back down and crossed her arms. “This whole get together has strayed far beyond what we had planned to begin with.”

Haruko looks between the group awkwardly, rubbing at her arm. “Umm… What was the plan to begin with?” she asks.

“Oh right!” Minami gasps. “I totally forgot to message you about it Haru, I've been so used to just coming over out of the blue lately.”

“I mean, yea. You're kind of allowed to do that as my best friend.” Haruko chuckled lightly.

“Shizuka thought it would be a good day to practice the whole flirting thing. Maybe do a whole practice date and stuff.” Minami explained to her. “I thought it was a group thing so I invited these two as well.” She motions to Takashi and Yukiko.

“Ahhhh I see. It's making sense now.” Haruko nodded.

“Sorry Haru, we didn't even ask if you were doing something today.”

“It's fine. I was just trying to–” Haruko paused, having almost blurted out her attempt this morning. “I was– I…”

“You were...?” Yukiko looked at her curiously, tilting her head.

“I was just trying to clean up a little.” Haruko finished, “You guys came at a good time though. I just finished cleaning the house up.” She admitted.

“Oh! Great!” Minami chuckles. “You've been meaning to do that this past week.” She pats her shoulder lightly.

“Uh-huh.”

“So anyways. About the whole flirting thing…” Takashi trails off. “I mean, it seems like she's doing pretty well considering how Reika and Erina are reacting to her.” He pointed out.

“Your sisters saw an attractive person and took the chance to hit on her.” Shizuka spoke, picking up books on the human body and some on Psychology. She hands them over to Haruko. “What is your major?” She asks her suddenly.

“Uh... architecture?” Haruko answered, and they followed Shizuka into a section about architecture.

“What's wrong with her attracting them?” Yukiko huffs. “Isn't that good enough? Won't she attract those idiots as well…?” She was referring to the Ishikawa or Chisako.

“What makes you so sure she'll be able to attract them purely by looks?” Shizuka spoke, and she gave Haruko some books on architecture. “Some people aren't so simple minded like you two.” She scoffed, glancing towards the twins. “Haruko will learn flirting from me, and that's that.”

“Ugh!” Yukiko gave a little frustrated stomp, watching Shizuka walk away with Haruko to the cashier. “It would be so much easier if we just beat that dumb group up and then her!”

“Calm….” Minami soothes.

“She's so annoying!” Yukiko whines. “To assume I'm like him– hmph! Yea right! Haruko is more than just her looks.” She huffed, storming after the pair.

“I'm going to get white hairs following those two around.” Takashi commented to Minami, the girl nodding in agreement.

“Let's get going then, grandpa.” Minami jokes, the two following after them as well.

*

They head on up to the 2nd floor, Takashi guiding the group considering they pretty much knew what store their sisters would be in. Before they could turn the corner to enter the store though, Yukiko stops him. Pulling the boy back. 

"What??" Takashi looked down at her in confusion as they hid behind the corner. 

"Your sisters are kind of... uh..." Minami trailed off, peeking ahead. The group following her gaze to see Erina and Reika being followed around by a trio of rowdy men. The men hollering and cat-calling them obnoxiously loud. "This could be trouble..." Minami frowns, "What should we do?"

"Stay here, that's what you should do." Takashi shook his head, "I'll handle this." 

Haruko perks up from hearing that, she vaguely remembered a scene like this happening in the game. Although Minami wasn't there, and neither was she. And honestly, it wasn't Reika and Erina getting hit on, it was supposed to be Yukiko and Shizuka. 

They stayed in place, watching closely as Takashi approaches the group. "There you two are!" he called out, sighing in relief, "I've been looking everywhere for you! Who are these gentlemen?" he asks, putting his arms around the two women. 

"Who are you?" One of the men sneered, shoving him back lightly. 

"Their boyfriend." Takashi declared suddenly, he went in with confidence and continued boldly. 

'There it is, that's what he says in the game.' Haruko gapes, 'So the story is progressing, but it's possible for the characters to be different in the situation??' In the game the men would back off, they would be impressed with the boy for snagging two girls. 

"We don't know him." Reika deadpanned, her expression twisting into disgust. "Never say that again." she hissed, shoving his arm away. 

'Shit.. that's different...' Haruko grumbled. 

"Welp... I uhm tried..." Takashi laughed nervously, surprised when the men began to surround him now. "W-Woah, hold on guys... Let's not be rash here." he tried, putting his hands up in defeat.

"Nice try, idiot. Tryna hit on our girls." A man scoffed, lightly smacking the back of Takashi's head with a rolled up magazine he had been carrying around. "We saw them first, it's over for you." he snickered, backing Takashi up into one of the other men. They grabbed his arms, holding him in place.

"Uh..."

"Great... now what do we do." Yukiko frowned, watching closely. 

"What can we do?" Minami spoke wearily, "M-Maybe call mall security??"

"Or we could leave him." Shizuka offered up as a suggestion. "I wouldn't mind that." she admitted.

'This is bad... he's going to get hurt here, how will the story progress without him around...?' Haruko glanced around quickly, her eyes falling on a group carrying boba with them. 'Okay, come on Haruko. I need you to be good at this...'  She rushes over while the three were talking and takes one of the fuller cups. "Hey, sorry.. can I take this? I'll buy you another one, I swear." she asks the woman, whom had stared at her in awe before nodding slightly.

"Haruko...??" Shizuka calls out, noticing the girl had placed their books down beside them. "What are you going to do??"

"I don't know, but get ready to bolt." Haruko warns them before rushing towards the group of men taking turns smacking Takashi around with the rolled up magazine. 

"Reika, we should help him." Erina frowned, tugging on Reika's hand, she stops pulling when she sees Haruko approaching the men from behind.

' Sorry Takashi...I'm going to interfere for a bit...'  Haruko thought as she lightly strikes the back of his knee, causing him to fold and slip suddenly out of their grasp. With him out of the way, she grabs two of the men by their heads and smashed them against one another. 

"UGH!" The two men groaned out loud, they had bounced off one another almost comically before falling back to the floor in pain. 

"Who are yo--" The man ahead started, about to attack her.

Haruko picked the boba back up from beside her, taking it and throwing it at his face. Hard enough for the plastic top to burst, the liquid splashing all three of them. She grabbed Takashi by the collar, pulling him up quickly to his feet before taking Reika and Erina's hands. Directing them to where the others were.

Haruko notices briefly, the small little pink hearts above Reika and Erina's heads. She mentally face palms but continues on.

"Go, go, go!" Takashi says, running the corner quickly to head back towards the escalator. The group make haste, following after him to avoid getting caught. 

 *

"I think the coast is clear..." Minami tells them, peaking outside the window of another cafe they had entered. The group sitting around one of the round corner tables, hidden by the larger booth seats. "That was something..." she heaved out, trying to catch her breath. 

'Did I hurt him...? Is he injured anywhere??' Haruko stares at Takashi wearily, "Is your knee okay? I'm sorry I hit you." She said apologetically. 

"You shouldn't be saying sorry, Haruko. You were only trying to help." Yukiko shook her head slightly. "If anything, he shouldn't have tried anything to begin with."

"She wouldn't have had to do anything if she had just let me help them..." Takashi motioned to Reika accusingly, sending her a death glare.

"We were fine, they were following us right when we left you dweebs on your own." Reika rolled her eyes. "Besides, what you said back there was disgusting. Never again." 

"Couldn't you just play along so they would've left you alone right away??"

"As if. With our own brother? Disgusting." Reika gagged.

"Thank you so much, Haruko. For helping him." Erina spoke, ignoring the two as they continued to argue in the background. Minami ordering some drinks to go for the group. "That was very brave of you." 

Haruko looked towards her in surprise when she realized Erina had been talking to her. "M-Me?? Oh! It was nothing..." She shrugs. "I'm sure he would've handled it by himself if we weren't technically on private property."

"He only knows how to play soccer, nothing else." Reika snickers, "He has no upper body strength at all. You on the other hand, are a different story, huh? Do you play any sports?" she asks, placing a light touch on her bicep. 

"N-Not really." Haruko mumbled, she thought about Haruko's room quickly trying to remember some things she saw when she was cleaning. "I-I work out... play some basketball from time to time."

"I can tell~" Reika hummed, her fingers gliding slowly up to her shoulder before wrapping around the back of her neck. She massages there lightly, "Your body is toned, I've noticed." she purred.

"Y-Yeeeesss ma'ammm..." Haruko heaved out nervously, she was malfunctioning. She knew she was, words were not processing in her head. And neither was breathing. 

Oh God, she forgot how to breathe...!

"Leave her alone." Yukiko spoke out, pulling Haruko towards herself instead. "You need to give her some space, jeez..." she huffs. 

"Goodness, how rude." Reika chuckled, she glances at the time on her phone quickly. "We should probably go home now." she tells her siblings. "Mother will be worried if we keep her little baby boy out for too long." 

"Shove off." Takashi hissed as Minami started handing the drinks out. Gaining a thanks from each one. "I guess she's right though, we should get going, I'm meeting the guys tomorrow." Haruko took note of that, remembering that Takashi hangs out with his friends and bump into the Ishikawas while out. There was no confrontation because they didn't have a plan prior to the meeting but he did follow them around to get some information. 

"I too have to get going." Minami nodded, "I have to head home soon before my parents get too worried." She sighed heavily, sipping at her drink, which was coincidentally a boba. 

They began to each climb out of the booth, walking over to the door. Haruko following closely from behind, "This meeting was a disaster..." Shizuka mumbled, loud enough for Minami and Haruko to hear.

"It's alright, there's always next time?" Minami suggested.

"We haven't made any progress today, which is fine, that could be for another day I agree." Shizuka sighed, "But I can't believe I wasted a day with the Hasegawas..."

Yukiko lagged behind to join in on their conversation as the other three walk a bit ahead. "Can you just drop it for now, there's literally no rush. You didn't even need to stay..." she pointed out with furrowed brows.

"You say that now, but don't come crying to me when the members from your shitty group get hooked on that shit, or are found dead." Shizuka deadpanned, the group catching up with the others, dropping the conversation for now.

Haruko tensed when she heard that, she gnaws at her lower lip, following after them. She definitely needed help with flirting, there was only so much she could do based off movies or books. 

If she wanted to keep the story going, she had to take action. Even if it meant doing her own little side story to appease the main characters plans. 

"W-Wait... umm..." She called out after them, the group coming to a stop. Haruko reaches out, grabbing onto someone's wrist, she pulls them back lightly. She keeps her gaze to the floor, having never done this before in her life. "Umm..."

"What's wrong, Haruko?" Takashi's voice asked. 

Haruko shut her eyes tightly, finally able to come to a resolve. "Will you... go on a date with me tomorrow?" she asks suddenly, her face flushed red. 

When she looks back up again, she is face to face with...

Yukiko. 

"E-Eh...?" Yukiko blushed as well. "M-Me??"

"Y-Yea..." Haruko loosened her hold on her, anticipating rejection at that point. She braces for it, her shoulders tensing up.

"S...Sure..."

'Eh...?'